Let's See Some Softoppers

Got gray. Shipped 2 days after ordering, wasn't expecting to see it for months! Really glad I didn't get black, too hot! Working on a DIY extension for camping in it

 

What kind of extension are you looking to build? I have the short box as well and ended up purchasing the DAC tent that goes on the back. I have yet to test it out, but am always curious what others are doing to maximize space with the short beds.

 

I too would like to know.

 

The bars are from Heavy Metal Off Road. I purchased them off of another member. They have a plate that goes under the topper rails and attaches to the bed rails. Rock solid especially with the steel plate I made connecting the 2 bars for mounting stuff.

 

Man that’s awesome, I ordered the camper extension they offer and it’s been a month. Site said 2-3 weeks for shipping and nothing, I’ve called and emailed and no answer.

 

Tested out the topper at Anza Borrego over the weekend! Loved safari mode over the trails mainly for looks haha. The tent extension was great— don’t know if I installed it wrong but there were small openings where the tailgate met the rear quarter panel/rear bumper. Not significant, could always stuff a shirt there if it was an issue but mosquitos didn’t get in the 2 nights I was there.

 

I can't imagine how dusty that mattress is if you driving around with the sides rolled up.

 

Haha, I just took the pic of the sleeping setup at the campsite; the mattress and my platform were folded and left at the campsite when I went on the trails

 

Just saw this guys...

 

Damn, that looks awesome. Anyone have it?

 

That does look a lot nicer than the DAC tent but at $230 I’m not sure it’s quite worth it.

https://thetoppertent.com/

Then again the DAC tent is $189 new. Either inflation is really getting out of control or I’m just really cheap.

 

Plus you gotta buy the kit for the softopper...


https://thetoppertent.com/products/soft-top-attachment

A lot of short bed folks end up buying a rooftop tent because they can't fit under a camper shell. This is a much cheaper solution than a RTT. I agree it's kind of steep, but if it's well designed and easy to use then I think it's worth the money. I see people spending a lot more on their setups.

That said... I'm glad I have a long bed and don't need anything like this.

 

When cost comparing to a RTT, then yes you are well ahead. I’m just very tight on my budget.

I originally bought my short bed truck based on looks, as I love the 4 door short box combo. But after moving to the PNW and loving the excursions and overnight camping, I do wish I had a long bed. It would have been a lot easier to flip up the tail gate when calling it a night.

 

Figured I'd use PVC pipe to make a "U" shape that mirrors the edges of the tailgate (when down). Notch the ends of the two pipes to fit into the rear window bar. Replace the topper rear window buckles so I can suspend the PVC bar with rope from the buckle. Cut and secure canvas to the PVC and attach magnets at bottoms. This way it more or less seals, and you can easily just pust it up or away to get out to pee in the night! It will also be able to pull apart for easy storage/transport. Pics when done.

Yeah I'm not sure what's up with them. I ordered the topper and it shipped 2 days later, but I just ordered more brackets (added rigidity) and they still havent shipped after a week. Figured those would be a quick easy thing but guess not.

 

Sure sounds nice! I’ll patiently await photos.

 

I've been planning something similar with PVC that will attach to the existing window clips to make a frame acting like a hinge. (I've attached my cad designed, nasa approved schematic.). Hoping to use my camping tarp over the top of the softopper using bungies to attach to the wheels like the DAC tents, and i love your idea about the magnets. Better make a call back to nasa on how to integrate them in.

 

We must have similar engineers! I dig it! Looks like yours will have the added benefit of privacy in the rear window. From the desks of Skunk Works, I have the long pipe suspended from the rear window buckles with rope/550 cord. My thinking is when I have to make important business calls in the night I can just push it up and out of the way. The magnets should release fairly easily, and reattached the same when it falls back into place. I bought 5 yards of waterproof canvas (

$55 Ottertex Canvas Fabric Waterproof Outdoor 60" Wide 600 Denier 15 Colors Sold by The Yard (5 Yard, Charcoal)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBH3SGR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1) of the same (similar?) color to fix to the PVC. Where the canvas and rear window meet I'll secure them together with velcro. Planning on keeping some slop in the canvas so that I can detach the long PVC pipe for easy storage and transport.

Feedback always welcome!

 

Work in progress, but I think we're on to something

 

Is that a Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp you are using? Maybe you could use Green Elephant Telescoping Tarp Poles for when it is open to give a little awning coverage.

 

It isnt the roadhouse, although that's the general idea. It is an ultralight UGQ tarp I had made years back when doing more backpacking with a hammock and this tarp vs a tent. Although it isnt made for this application it is pretty great. The tall Green Elephant poles have been gone for a few months, but looking now it seems they're back and will be on their way to me soon.